Board of Elections Absentee Board Meeting | Feb. 24, 2026

Board of Elections Prepares for Primary Election: A Recap of the February 24th Meeting

On February 24, 2026, the Board of Elections held a meeting focused on finalizing preparations for the upcoming primary election scheduled for March 3rd, 2026. The meeting provided updates on voter turnout, clarified procedures for potential second primaries, and addressed concerns raised by the community. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents of Buncombe County.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on ensuring a smooth and accessible election process. Executive Director Kareen Duncan highlighted the importance of utilizing the Board’s "Voter Information Tool" on their website, a valuable resource for voters to confirm registration status, locate polling places, and view sample ballots. The Board also acknowledged that early voting turnout is currently exceeding numbers from previous primary elections, encouraging residents to vote earlier in the week to avoid potential crowds. They reiterated that a valid photo ID is required for voting, and free IDs are readily available at the Board's office.

The Board also addressed procedures for potential second primaries, which could occur depending on the results of the initial primary. The rules were reviewed, clarifying that a "substantial plurality" (30%) is generally required to avoid a second round of voting in partisan and municipal primaries, with non-partisan races utilizing a random selection process to resolve ties. A notable discussion arose regarding a voter’s request for a hand-marked ballot during early voting. While express vote machines are standard, curbside voters receive hand-marked ballots. The possibility of offering this option more broadly was tabled for discussion after the election, acknowledging potential budget and logistical challenges.

A community member raised concerns about reported voter registration irregularities in other counties, prompting the Board to clarify that Buncombe County's registration process is proceeding smoothly. They provided contact information for the State Board’s investigations division (Jason Tyson and a reporting webpage) to address any further concerns. Finally, the Board approved a plan to monitor warehouse access on election night from their meeting location, with updates provided to the board. Absentee ballots received after 2:00 PM will be processed in a special meeting at 7:30 PM.

Key Decisions & Actions Taken:

• The Board unanimously approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
• They voted to approve the processing of four pending absentee ballots, with final approvals expected at a future meeting.
• Thirteen overseas and military ballots were approved for processing.

What's Next?

Several action items emerged from the meeting, directly impacting residents:

• Board staff will continue closely monitoring early voting trends and adjusting strategies as needed.
• The effectiveness of the proposed warehouse access plan on election night will be evaluated after the election.
• The Board will revisit the discussion about hand-marked ballots and other procedural matters following the primary.
• Board members will participate in upcoming budget discussions with County officials to determine salary allocation.
• The Board will hold two sessions on Monday before the election (2:00 PM and 5:30 PM) to process absentee ballots and certify the list for distribution.

This meeting demonstrated the Board’s commitment to a transparent and accessible election process. Residents are encouraged to utilize the "Voter Information Tool" on the Board's website and take advantage of early voting opportunities to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming primary election. For a complete record, please refer to the full meeting transcript available on the Board of Elections website.